Living + Playing

COVID-19 Resource Information

COVID-19 numbers in the state of Georgia are beginning to decrease and vaccinations are increasing. Social distancing, face masks and hand washing are STILL recommended to continue to fight the spread of COVID-19. For mental health resources, scroll to the bottom of the page.

COVID-19 in 2021

GET VACCINATED IF ELIGIBLE

Wear a mask
Practice social distancing
Wash/sanitize your hands regularly
Follow public health guidance

At the City Council meeting held on Monday, August 16, 2021, Mayor Horton announced that the mask resolution passed in December 2020 was still in effect on City properties since the number of COVID-19 cases in Newton County now exceeds 100 per 100,000 over a two week period. Newton County is currently in the high transmission category for COVID-19.

The following guidelines are outlined in the mask resolution:

1. Individuals will be required to wear a face covering on City properties.

2. Face coverings aren't mandated on private property, but Council is encouraging businesses to institute the mandatory mask resolution.

3. Masks are not required to be medical grade so long as they cover the nose and mouth. Bandanas, scarves and other similar fabrics are allowed.

4. Businesses within city limits may indicated that they require masks on their property by posting a notice at each entrance accessible to the public.

5. Masks are not required while eating or drinking or if socially distanced at least six feet apart.

6. The Covington Police Department will enforce the ordinance on all public property and any private property that chooses to require masks. Any individual who fails to be in compliance with this order is subject to a $50 fine.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. From losing loved ones to job loss to the anxiety caused by the threat of a deadly virus, COVID-19 has not only attacked us physically, the pandemic has laid siege to our mental health as well.

There are guidelines to combat COVID-19 from attacking us physically...stay 6 feet apart, wash your hands, wear a mask...unfortunately, there aren't the same guidelines for keeping the ramifications of COVID-19 from affecting our mental well being. Don't suffer alone or in silence. If you or someone you know is seeking resources, please consider checking out the list below.

Crisis Hotlines

Georgia Crisis & Access Line - 1-800-715-4225
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255.
National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
The Crisis Text Line - Text START to 741-741 about any type of crisis 24/7.

Local Addiction Support

Alcoholics Anonymous in Georgia - Resource for finding in-person and virtual AA meetings throughout the state.
Gran Recovery Center - Free and sliding scale treatment provider located at 215 Kirkland Rd, Covington, GA 30016. You can call them at (678) 209-2770.

St Jude’s Recovery Center - Intown provider of free and low-cost treatment services. They are located at 139 Renaissance Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. For admissions information, call them at 404-874-2224.
The Summit Wellness Group - Joint Commission Accredited drug rehab center located at 996 Huff Rd NW, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30318. This family-run treatment program also provides a number of full and partial scholarships. They have a 24/7 helpline at 678-705-8762.
Recovery in Georgia - Locally run independent addiction recovery resource that features treatment centers, support meetings, and prevention resources located throughout Georgia.

Overdose Prevention

Georgia Overdose Prevention Project - An advocacy organization that provides free naloxone kits to Georgians through the mail.

HarmReduction.org - Features harm reduction strategies and provides information to help people identify, respond, and prevent overdoses.
Opioid Overdose Rescue - Outlines 3 simple steps to save a life in the event of an opioid overdose. Includes helpful reference videos.